Google News
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic admitted he was "disappointed" after not getting a chance to compete for a record 10th Australian Open title this past January. Djokovic flew to Australia after being granted a medical exemption but the Australian authorities refused to let him compete in Melbourne while unvaccinated.
Djokovic was deported from the country after losing his Australia visa appeal and Rafael Nadal won a record 21st Grand Slam title. "Of course, I was disappointed with the end result of my short stay in Australia and that I had to leave the country without competing in the Grand Slam.
That’s the very reason why I was there. I wasn’t enjoying the tournament knowing that I wasn’t able to be there. The final I was trying not to watch it. But in my house, everyone at home was watching it, so I had to follow it, including my wife and kids.
So I had to follow it," Djokovic said.
Djokovic received well in Dubai
Djokovic kicked off his 2022 season on Monday as he saw off Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3 in the Dubai first round. "I’ve had a few conversations. Most of the players I met here last couple of days were very friendly to me.
Some of the players came up and asked me how it felt and how I am feeling right now. The majority of them welcomed me and said it was nice to see me back on the tour. That makes me feel great and I’m very thankful for that.
Having a kind of understanding, at least, if not support from my peers and colleagues is very important to me. They are the people I get to see sometimes more than even my family. So I care greatly about the relationship that we have.
So I appreciate that most of the people here welcomed me back on the tour which for me is already very positive," Djokovic said.